Beer commercials often feature beautiful women and funny situations. Movies often portray people partying and drinking and having hilarious situations occur. However, the reality of alcohol addiction is that it is no laughing matter. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that almost 90 percent of adults have drunk alcohol at least once in their life. In 2013, over 70 percent of people drank in the past year, and almost 60 percent drank in the past month.

Occasionally having a drink isn’t a problem, but binge drinking is an unfortunate reality among 25 percent of adults. This habit can be seen in the fact that almost 17 million adults have an Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). In 2017, over one million adults received treatment for alcohol addiction compared to nearly 700,000 adolescents. About 90,000 people die every year due to alcohol, which is the third leading cause of preventable deaths in America.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

Chronic consumption of alcohol negatively affects the brain, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and heart. Alcohol weakens the immune system while increasing the risks of developing certain cancers. Excessive alcohol consumption reduces coordination, causes blackouts, slurs speech, and even creates sexual dysfunctions. Think about that the next time before you have a drink with friends. Not many people do because the Distilled Spirits Council Industry of the United States reports that alcohol sales add $400 billion a year to the economy.

The Reality of Alcohol Addiction and its effects

The reality of alcohol addiction is that it can wreak havoc on a person’s mind and body, and can even lead to death. It can also result in loss of job, family, home, and everything a person holds dear. Below are some of the warning signs of alcohol addiction that you should know before your drinking habits become a problem.

Psychological warning signs:

Feeling afraid, worried or paranoid.

Sudden hyperactive or lethargic episodes.

Sudden mood changes (anger or happy outbursts).

Behavioral warning signs:

Complaints from others.

Unexplained financial problems.

Withdrawn, suspicious behaviors.

A sudden change of habits (friends, hobbies, etc.).

An increased amount of problems or legal trouble.

Attendance problems at school or workmanship.

Physical warning signs:

Poor grooming.

Bloodshot eyes.

Sudden weight loss/gain.

Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Unexplained accidents or injuries.

Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.

Physical shaking or slurred speech.

If you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, it is time to seek professional treatment before things progress and cause serious consequences.

How to Get Help For Your Alcohol Problems

The first step of getting help for alcoholism is admitting that you have a problem and committing yourself to beating the addiction. Many people suffering from alcoholism think that they can quit on their own or perhaps get therapy. However, inpatient treatment for alcoholism is the most effective way to overcome this disorder. Inpatient treatment offers services, resources, and tools that are not available elsewhere. An inpatient treatment facility provides 24/7 supervised care and support. The detoxification process is complicated, but professionals have the experience and skills to help you through it.

In addition to this, the inpatient treatment facility allows patients to focus 100 percent on recovery without any adverse social or environmental influences. This is important because patients must learn what their triggers are and how to avoid these high-risk situations. The well-designed structure of the inpatient treatment program encourages patients to focus on treatment and leaves little time to think about alcohol.

Finally, the inpatient treatment facility will be able to offer the patient some essential tools, resources, and an individualized treatment plan. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an excellent tool that teaches patients to identify and change negative behavior while applying effective coping strategies.

In conclusion, if you are struggling with alcohol addiction, please seek treatment at an inpatient facility. Treatment success is only a phone call away. Contact Awakenings today to learn more about the comprehensive treatment plans that are available for any addiction. Remember, the reality of alcohol addiction is that it can destroy your entire life if it gets out of control. Get help today.